Thirty-one students in Trinidad and Tobago become ambassadors against child labour

Students in Trinidad and Tobago are lending their voices to end child labour in all its forms through a new Child Labour Ambassador Programme recently launched by the Ministry of Labour. This innovative programme was initiated with 31 students from seven secondary schools who are sensitizing their peers and communities to the dangers of child labour.

Participating schools represent a cross-section of areas in Trinidad and Tobago (urban and rural), including Blanchisseuse Secondary School, Mucurapo West Secondary School, El Dorado East Secondary School, Toco Secondary School, Carapichaima East Secondary School, Debe Secondary School, and Iere High School. 

Since their initial appointments as Ambassadors in March 2024, the students have participated in a targeted training led by the National Steering Committee for the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour. As a result, they are better equipped to educate and empower their peers and others across the country to act on child labour by identifying, and, reporting instances of children participating in mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful forms of work.   

“Our school and community can participate in the fight against child labour by working in unity with all stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and members of the community to raise funds that will assist less fortunate children in the community. To ensure that their needs are met and their rights are not violated. Enabling them to attend school to learn, feel protected, care for, loved, can participate and where all provisions are made for them to enjoy their childhood,” explains Child Labour Ambassador Arianna Rampersad. 

The Child Labour Ambassador Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with a range of cross-cutting partners including Childline, The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Education. 

Through the Programme, Trinidad and Tobago is fulfilling its obligations as a member of the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour to take inclusive, strategic and innovative action for the prevention and eradication of child labour.

“Ending child labour requires a full-scale commitment that includes persons from all demographics – including young people. The ILO commends the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Labour and partners for bringing youth participation and perspectives to the frontlines of their impressive national campaign,” explains Resel Melville, National Project Officer and Focal Point for the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour.

For more information, please visit the Child Labour webpage on the Ministry of Labour website.